Evening dress with space for dancing

[SunshineAndShadows]

Hi everyone

I'm attending a May ball (in May obv) and looking for a nice frock. There will be a sit down dinner (quite posh) followed by ceilidh-type dancing so nothing too tight. I need a comfy but glam gown, probably floor length (and I'm 5'9" so if I go floor length I want proper floor length not awkward ankle length) but a cocktail dress type thing might be ok.

I'm more of a jeans and tshirt girl so any help much appreciated!

no one?
If it helps I'm quite large of nork so v necks and decent straps a must

What is your budget, and do you have a colour preference?
Since your May Ball involves a ceilidh, which usually features rather vigorous dancing, I commend you for wanting straps. I'd also like to point out that a fuller skirt makes dancing much easier and more enjoyable. I'd steer clear of too much beading as beads tend to come off very quickly; it looks pretty, but I know from personal experience that a lot of it falls off. If you want glitter, you can always add a sparkly sash or belt. Even a well-placed brooch can look lovely.

I suggest that you browse the Web to look for styles that you like and then go to the shops to try things on and to see what looks good on you. You have a bit of time, so I highly recommend going to charity shops and dress agencies. If you have access to a good seamstress or if you possess sewing skills and the necessary equipment, you can also give eBay a try. I found a fabulous Carolina Herrera dress (new with tags) for a pittance (300 quid) in comparison to the original price (more than $5,000). The problem with eBay and other online vendors is that you cannot try things on, hence sewing skills can be vital. In my case, the dress was about 10 cm too long.

In the meantime, here are a few suggestions to get you started:

www.coast-stores.com/miella-maxi-dress/maxi-dresses/coast/fcp-product/1412465?locale=en

www.coast-stores.com/lori-lee-lace-maxi-dress./maxi-dresses/coast/fcp-product/1373120?locale=en

www.coast-stores.com/ciella-maxi-dress-d/maxi-dresses/coast/fcp-product/1419277?locale=en

Good luck!

Thanks so much Trinette The Lori lee dress is gorgeous and whilst the Ciella is the type of shape I also like I think it perhaps is a bit plain?
My max budget is probably £150ish, tho I could probably squeeze a bit more out, ideally I'd like something cheaper.

Colour-wise, I'm quite fair, navy, purple and deep reds look good on me.
Happy to consider shorter dresses too but not sure if they're 'appropriate'? (the ball is in Edinburgh...)

You're very welcome. If it's in Edinburgh, I would choose a floor-length dress. Scotland always tends to be a bit more conservative and formal, in my opinion. Have you thought about places like TK Maxx? Lace and mesh bodices are very popular this season, and since you prefer darker, richer colors, how about these:

www.tkmaxx.com/view-all-womenswear/blue-floral-lace-maxi-dress/invt/53034705 --> lace and interesting neckline shape

www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Sleeved-Embellished-Maxi-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4851094&cid=8799&Rf1012=4461&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=204&sort=-1&clr=Navy&totalstyles=622&gridsize=3 --> 1930s vibe

www.asos.com/True-Decadence/True-Decadence-Wrap-One-Shoulder-Maxi-Prom-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4875661&cid=8799&Rf1012=4461&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=204&sort=-1&clr=Navy&totalstyles=622&gridsize=3 --> one-shoulder look; I like it, but I know it's not to everybody's taste

It also just occurred to me that you might like separates? Separates are easy to wear again, and give you versatility and variety. A long, full skirt and either matching or co-ordinated (accent or complementary colour) top. I couldn't really find any images to illustrate what I mean except for this 1950s sewing pattern cover and this haute couture creation.